What America Thinks: Family Ties
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We know family is of utmost importance to Americans, so we broke it down to see what America thinks about marriage, children and parenthood.

More than three-quarters are married or have been married before, and fewer than ever now see marriage as a civil institution. Fifty percent (50%) see it as a religious one. Seventy-two percent (72%) still believe it’s important to be married before having children. But how many children do they think is best? Forty-four percent (44%) say two children is ideal, while 19% think three kids is best. Ten percent (10%) say one child, while eight percent (8%) think four or more kids is ideal. Just three percent (3%) say no children is the best number.

Seventy-one percent (71%) of Americans grew up in a home with both of their parents, and an overwhelming majority think that’s important. Most believe children from a two-parent home have an advantage over children from single-parent households or divorced parents.

When it comes to their own upbringing, 51% say their mother was most influential, while 28% say their father was. More than half of Americans still believe motherhood is the most important role for a woman to fill in today’s world. They feel so even more strongly about men and fatherhood.

Voters want to spread the joy when it comes to marriage and families, though: More than ever (51%) now support same-sex marriage.

For Rasmussen Reports, I’m Alex Boyer. Remember, if it’s in the news, it’s in our polls.